US4679217A - X-ray cassette structure - Google Patents
X-ray cassette structure Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US4679217A US4679217A US06/721,070 US72107085A US4679217A US 4679217 A US4679217 A US 4679217A US 72107085 A US72107085 A US 72107085A US 4679217 A US4679217 A US 4679217A
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- accordance
- cassette
- housing
- cassette structure
- radiation
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- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03B—APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS OR FOR PROJECTING OR VIEWING THEM; APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS EMPLOYING ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR
- G03B42/00—Obtaining records using waves other than optical waves; Visualisation of such records by using optical means
- G03B42/02—Obtaining records using waves other than optical waves; Visualisation of such records by using optical means using X-rays
- G03B42/04—Holders for X-ray films
Definitions
- This invention relates generally to radiation systems, such as X-ray systems, and, more particularly, to image producing structures, such as X-ray film cassettes, for recording an image of an object, or a selected region thereof, exposed to such radiation and for detecting the level of such exposure so as to provide an output signal which can be used to determine the amount of radiation exposure.
- suitable X-ray film and one or more phosphorous scintillating sheets (sometimes referred to as intensifier screens) for converting X-rays to photons are often placed within a cassette housing so that the overall cassette package can be positioned behind an object to be X-rayed, for example, at an appropriate position of the anatomy of a patient in alignment with the portion of the anatomy at which the X-rays are to be directed.
- One or more suitable dectector means are then positioned adjacent to and externally to the film cassette to detect the level of X-ray radiation at such position and to provide an output signal for supply to electronic circuitry where it can be suitably integrated as a function of time so that the integrated output signal provides an integrated measurement thereof which is proportional to the amount of X-ray radiation which has been received by the patient over such integration time interval.
- appropriate circuitry can be used to automatically shut off the X-ray equipment.
- One approach to providing such detection operation is to utilize a structure which is separate from and not capable of being fixedly attached to the film cassette and which includes an array of series-connected detectors (e.g., pohotovoltaic cells) individually supported on an insulator substrate.
- a suitable scintillator sheet, or screen may also be mounted adjacent the detector cells for amplifying the light photon level for detection by the photovoltaic cells, for example.
- Such separate device can be fitted with a suitable handle so that it can be positioned adjacent the film cassette during use.
- An example of such an approach is shown, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,053,774 issued on Oct. 11, 1977 to Berdahl.
- the paddle or other separate structure requires a manual alignment of the areas of interest so that the separate detector and the film cassette structures are both in line with the selected anatomical region of the patient. This procedure gives rise to errors in the correct positioning of the separate paddle or cassette devices and, moreover, each time a new film cassette is used, the alignment procedure must be repeated thereby adding to the overall time for setting up the patient for the X-ray process.
- the alignment of the detectors with the film cassette can become disturbed so that the detectors are no longer detecting X-ray radiation at the proper location and in some cases may become completely misaligned with the film cassette. Since the attenuations of the X-ray radiation passing through the film cassette may vary from film cassette to film cassette, the results of the X-ray exposure detection process may also vary so that the integrated output for comparable X-ray radiation dosages will not provide uniform results unless some technique for compensating for such varying attenuations can be devised.
- an effectively integral structure which in a preferred embodiment includes one or more scintillating sheets (intensifier screens), an X-ray film, and one or more detectors or detector arrays, positioned within a single structure, such as a cassette type structure.
- one or more detector arrays are positioned at preselected regions within the cassette structure so that the same cassette can be used to provide X-ray exposure output readings at one or more selected locations of the patient's body.
- the incorporation of the detectors within the same cassette structure as the X-ray film automatically assures that such detectors remain aligned with the film at the desired region of the patient's anatomy where the film exposure is to take place. There is no requirement for manually attempting to position an external paddle or separate cassette means for such purpose or for re-aligning the film and detectors if the patient moves, for example, during use.
- the detector arrays can be in the form of multiple detectors connected in parallel to provide an average output signal therefrom and the value of an output resistance can be selected so that the output impedances of a large number of different cassettes can be made substantially equal so as to provide uniform results from cassette to cassette without any requirement for further compensation techniques.
- FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a particular embodiment of a cassette structure of the invention in its closed state
- FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the cassette of FIG. 1 in an open state
- FIG. 3 shows an exploded, perspective view of the components of the cassette of FIGS. 1 and 2 arranged in accordance with a particular embodiment of the invention
- FIG. 4 shows a diagrammatic view of a portion of the cassette of FIG. 1 depicting an array of detectors and electrical connections therefor;
- FIG. 5 shows a view in section of a portion of the cassette of FIGS. 1 and 2;
- FIG. 6 shows a view in section of another portion of the cassette of FIGS. 1 and 2;
- FIG. 7 shows a view in section of the various components of the cassette of FIG. 1 in its closed form
- FIG. 8 shows a diagrammatic view of electrical connections of an array of detectors in accordance with a particular embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 9 shows a view in section of an alternative embodiment of a cassette housing structure in accordance with the invention.
- one embodiment of the invention comprises a cassette structure 10 having a housing comprising a front cover 11 and a rear cover 12 both of which may be metal but which in some cases may be non-metallic.
- the covers 11 and 12 can be mechanically connected by a suitable hinge structure 13 which permits the cassette to be opened and closed as desired.
- the hinge may utilize a plastic membrane 13A appropriately attached to selected opposite edges of each of the covers 11 and 12.
- Any suitable latching mechanism (not shown) can be used to latch the covers in the closed position.
- the front cover has one or more position markings 14 on the surface thereof, as shown, which correspond to the positions of detector arrays within the cassette as discussed more fully below.
- FIG. 1 shows five selected regions designated by markings 14, although any other configuration or number of markings (and, hence, detector arrays) may be used in a particular application.
- FIG. 3 The components which make up the overall cassette structure 10 in the embodiment depicted are shown in exploded form in FIG. 3 wherein the top element is the metal front cover 11 and the bottom element is the metal back cover 12.
- a scintillating sheet 15 is positioned below front cover 11 and converts X-rays impinging thereon into photons, as is well known in the art.
- Such scintillating sheet, or intensifier screen may be of the type, for example, made and sold under the model designation MR-800 by Agfa Gevert of Piscataway, N.J.
- a suitable image producing element, or image receptor, such as an X-ray film 16 is positioned below intensifier screen 15 and responds to the photons to produce an X-ray image of the desired portion of the anatomy thereon, as is also well known to those in the art.
- a further scintillating sheet 17 of the same type as screen 15 may also be placed on the opposite side of film 16, if desired, to further increase the intensity of the image.
- Sheets 15 and 17 are phosphorous compositions of the type identified above which provide good image resolution on film 16.
- An additional intensifier screen 18 may also be positioned below screen 17 as shown, screen 18 being substantially of the same type as screens 15 and 17.
- Below intensifier screen 18 is a layer or substrate 19 of flexible material, such as a rubber-like material, e.g., sponge rubber, for example, which has imbedded therein a plurality of photovoltaic detectors.
- the detectors may be in the form of arrays of individual detector elements or cells, an array being placed at each of a plurality of selected regions 20.
- each regions 20 may be comprised of four photovoltaic cells 20A, 20B, 20C and 20D.
- the detector arrays 20 in layer 19 are aligned with the markings 14 on front cover 11, as shown in phantom, for example, in FIG. 2.
- the overall cassette structure 10 when the overall cassette structure 10 is placed adjacent a patient's body it can be appropriately positioned so that one or more of the detector regions are at one or more desired locations with respect to the patient's anatomy. Because the film and detector regions are fixedly aligned relative to one another within the housing, even when the patient moves such alignment is not disturbed and the desired X-ray level at such locations is detected correctly.
- a lead backing layer 21 is positioned between detector layer 19 and back cover 12.
- the output signals from detector cells 20A-20D which may be of any suitable type, such as photovoltaic cells well known to the art, are electrically connected in parallel to provide the desired output signal across output resistance 25.
- the parallel connection effectively provides an average of the output signals of the cells over the region 20.
- the averaged output signal from a region 20 is then supplied to an output receptacle 22 via a suitable cabling 23 (FIG. 5) into which an output plug 24 can be inserted to provide the output signal to appropriate circuitry for performing the desired integration thereof and effective monitoring of the X-ray level at such region.
- the value of output resistance 25 can be selected to provide a desired predetermined output impedance so that a plurality of cassettes can be arranged to have substantially the same output impedance so as to assure uniformity of output operation from cassette to cassette.
- edges of the front and back covers 11 and 12 are generally fabricated in a suitable interlocking fashion as by utilizing U-shaped toothed-projections and channels as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, to provide light tightness, as is well known in film cassettes of the art.
- the jack, or plug, 24 in the particular embodiment shown can be utilized to monitor the output of any one of the five detector arrays 20 depicted, although any number of detector arrays may be utilized in a cassette for any particular application.
- the film/detector cassette 10 of the invention can be used by an X-ray apparatus operator more effectively than when the operator is forced to use a conventional film cassette and a separate detector device. No adjustment or re-alignment is required each time a different separate cassette is used. The alignment is automatic because of the integral structure thereof and such factor reduces the time needed for an operator to set up an apparatus for one or more X-ray applications.
- FIGS. 1-8 represents only one exemplary and preferred embodiment thereof and modifications thereto may occur to those in the art within the spirit and scope of the invention.
- the use of screen 17 and/or screen 18 may not be necessary to provide the image amplification required.
- a suitable image producing element other than the screen 15/film 16 combination may be used to produce the desired image for detection by detectors 20.
- the detectors may be of other types than photovoltaic cells and any suitable elements for detecting X-ray and light radiation can be used.
- the number of detector arrays in any particular cassette structure, as well as the sizes thereof, may vary depending on the application in which the cassette is used.
- the cassette alternatively may comprise a housing structure in which the front and back covers are integrally, rather than hingedly, formed to provide a relatively rigid structure.
- a typical such structure as diagrammatically shown in FIG. 9 utilizes integrally formed front and rear covers 25 and 26 and a suitable slotted opening 27 for slidable insertion and withdrawl of a film pack 28 into and out from the housing.
- the fixed positioning of the detector arrays within the housing is preferable.
- the detector arrays may be arranged to be fixedly positioned with respect to the housing, as by being fixedly attached to the outer side of the back cover of the structure, for example, in an effectively permanent manner, or at least in a manner such that they cannot be readily removed or dislodged and, hence, remain in correct alignment, particularly during use.
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- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Apparatus For Radiation Diagnosis (AREA)
- Measurement Of Radiation (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims (20)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US06/721,070 US4679217A (en) | 1985-04-08 | 1985-04-08 | X-ray cassette structure |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US06/721,070 US4679217A (en) | 1985-04-08 | 1985-04-08 | X-ray cassette structure |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US4679217A true US4679217A (en) | 1987-07-07 |
Family
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Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US06/721,070 Expired - Fee Related US4679217A (en) | 1985-04-08 | 1985-04-08 | X-ray cassette structure |
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Cited By (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5084911A (en) * | 1989-01-10 | 1992-01-28 | Eastman Kodak Company | X-ray phototimer |
US5282236A (en) * | 1992-04-07 | 1994-01-25 | Hayes Dennis D | Self-testing mechanism determining X-ray exposure |
US5767518A (en) * | 1996-11-27 | 1998-06-16 | Westwood Biomedical | Fiber optic x-ray exposure control sensor |
US5949848A (en) * | 1996-07-19 | 1999-09-07 | Varian Assocaites, Inc. | X-ray imaging apparatus and method using a flat amorphous silicon imaging panel |
US20050285044A1 (en) * | 2002-02-15 | 2005-12-29 | Mollov Ivan P | X-ray imaging device |
US20120068073A1 (en) * | 2007-10-26 | 2012-03-22 | Konica Minolta Medical & Graphic, Inc. | Cassette type radiographic image solid-state detector |
JP2021079020A (en) * | 2019-11-22 | 2021-05-27 | キヤノン株式会社 | Radiation detector and output method |
Citations (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2993123A (en) * | 1955-09-21 | 1961-07-18 | Picker X Ray Corp Waite Mfg | Edge-lighted photo timer |
US3942016A (en) * | 1971-06-29 | 1976-03-02 | Wolf X-Ray Corporation | Film cassette |
US4053774A (en) * | 1975-08-08 | 1977-10-11 | California Institute Of Technology | X-ray exposure sensor and controller |
US4104524A (en) * | 1976-03-15 | 1978-08-01 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Circuit arrangement for a detector for ionizing radiation |
US4121104A (en) * | 1975-12-17 | 1978-10-17 | U.S. Philips Corporation | X-ray examining device with automatic timer and film container for an X-ray examining device |
US4230944A (en) * | 1979-02-09 | 1980-10-28 | Advanced Instrument Development, Inc. | X-ray system exposure control with ion chamber |
US4352197A (en) * | 1978-03-17 | 1982-09-28 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Mounting device for an X-ray film cassette |
US4383330A (en) * | 1981-09-28 | 1983-05-10 | E. I. Du Pont De Nemours And Company | X-Ray cassette having quick film release mechanism |
US4400821A (en) * | 1981-04-10 | 1983-08-23 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Apparatus for the measurement of the X-ray tube high voltage |
US4455669A (en) * | 1980-03-04 | 1984-06-19 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | X-Ray diagnostic installation comprising means for the formation of a transparency signal |
US4563586A (en) * | 1984-03-09 | 1986-01-07 | Jordan John A | Portable ionization chamber and alignment apparatus |
-
1985
- 1985-04-08 US US06/721,070 patent/US4679217A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Patent Citations (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2993123A (en) * | 1955-09-21 | 1961-07-18 | Picker X Ray Corp Waite Mfg | Edge-lighted photo timer |
US3942016A (en) * | 1971-06-29 | 1976-03-02 | Wolf X-Ray Corporation | Film cassette |
US4053774A (en) * | 1975-08-08 | 1977-10-11 | California Institute Of Technology | X-ray exposure sensor and controller |
US4121104A (en) * | 1975-12-17 | 1978-10-17 | U.S. Philips Corporation | X-ray examining device with automatic timer and film container for an X-ray examining device |
US4104524A (en) * | 1976-03-15 | 1978-08-01 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Circuit arrangement for a detector for ionizing radiation |
US4352197A (en) * | 1978-03-17 | 1982-09-28 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Mounting device for an X-ray film cassette |
US4230944A (en) * | 1979-02-09 | 1980-10-28 | Advanced Instrument Development, Inc. | X-ray system exposure control with ion chamber |
US4455669A (en) * | 1980-03-04 | 1984-06-19 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | X-Ray diagnostic installation comprising means for the formation of a transparency signal |
US4400821A (en) * | 1981-04-10 | 1983-08-23 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Apparatus for the measurement of the X-ray tube high voltage |
US4383330A (en) * | 1981-09-28 | 1983-05-10 | E. I. Du Pont De Nemours And Company | X-Ray cassette having quick film release mechanism |
US4563586A (en) * | 1984-03-09 | 1986-01-07 | Jordan John A | Portable ionization chamber and alignment apparatus |
Cited By (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5084911A (en) * | 1989-01-10 | 1992-01-28 | Eastman Kodak Company | X-ray phototimer |
US5282236A (en) * | 1992-04-07 | 1994-01-25 | Hayes Dennis D | Self-testing mechanism determining X-ray exposure |
US5949848A (en) * | 1996-07-19 | 1999-09-07 | Varian Assocaites, Inc. | X-ray imaging apparatus and method using a flat amorphous silicon imaging panel |
US5767518A (en) * | 1996-11-27 | 1998-06-16 | Westwood Biomedical | Fiber optic x-ray exposure control sensor |
US20050285044A1 (en) * | 2002-02-15 | 2005-12-29 | Mollov Ivan P | X-ray imaging device |
US7122804B2 (en) | 2002-02-15 | 2006-10-17 | Varian Medical Systems Technologies, Inc. | X-ray imaging device |
US20120068073A1 (en) * | 2007-10-26 | 2012-03-22 | Konica Minolta Medical & Graphic, Inc. | Cassette type radiographic image solid-state detector |
JP2021079020A (en) * | 2019-11-22 | 2021-05-27 | キヤノン株式会社 | Radiation detector and output method |
WO2021100311A1 (en) * | 2019-11-22 | 2021-05-27 | キヤノン株式会社 | Radiation detection device and output method |
JP7344769B2 (en) | 2019-11-22 | 2023-09-14 | キヤノン株式会社 | Radiation detection device and output method |
US12029604B2 (en) | 2019-11-22 | 2024-07-09 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Radiation detection apparatus and output method |
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AS | Assignment |
Owner name: FAIRCHILD MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC., STOUGHTON, MA., A Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST.;ASSIGNOR:FAIRCHILD, RICHARD A.;REEL/FRAME:004491/0550 Effective date: 19851030 |
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Owner name: B.U.N.P., MASSACHUSETTS Free format text: SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:FAIRCHILD MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.;REEL/FRAME:006556/0064 Effective date: 19930412 |
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Owner name: U.S. MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC., MASSACHUSETTS Free format text: SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:B.U.N.P.;REEL/FRAME:007037/0239 Effective date: 19930524 |
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Owner name: U.S. MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC., MASSACHUSETTS Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:FAIRCHILD MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.;REEL/FRAME:007040/0467 Effective date: 19940609 |
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